Mitolo

Savitar Shiraz 2017

McLaren Vale

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“Savitar” is a mythical dragon-like monster, and this wine is so named because of the impression Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer had upon tasting one particular lot in the Willunga vineyard. They were so blown away they decided to make a Shiraz from just the small lot, and Savitar was created.

VINEYARD

The fruit for Mitolo Savitar Shiraz comes from the Lopresti vineyards Chinese Block, which is located in the Willunga district at the southern end of McLaren Vale. Savitar Shiraz is sourced from a particularly unforgiving, skeletal soil patch in the North Eastern corner of the block, where the vines are pushed hard to create very low yields of outstanding depth of flavor and quality.

WINEMAKING

Each parcel of fruit for Savitar was fermented on skins for 15 days. This slightly longer time on the skins ensures a tighter overall structure setting the framework for elongated aging. Following fermentation, the wine is pressed, and then transferred to oak barrels for maturation. Aged in 100% new medium to light toasted barrels (100% French oak for 18 months before individual barrels are carefully selected for the final blend.

TASTING NOTE

Immense lift, the aromatics are an incredibly intense amalgam of blackcurrant, menthol, licorice and cedar oak. The palate shows a hugely complex flavor profile befitting of its pedigree. Characters of black fruits, dried herbs, and earthy tones of licorice and savory leather.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Shiraz

Appellation

McLaren Vale

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$75.00

Reviews

"Full-bodied and lush without being unstructured"

Wine Advocate - December 11, 2019 "Sourced from a lower-yielding section of the same vineyard as the GAM Shiraz and matured in 100% new oak, the 2017 Savitar Shiraz is tighter and more concentrated, yet it still remains essentially approachable. Hints of toasty oak frame bold blackberry and blueberry flavors in a wine that’s full-bodied and lush without being unstructured. Soft tannins dominate the long, mouthwatering finish."

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Marsican

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Named after the rare Marsican bear, native to Frank’s father Bruno’s homeland, Abruzzo. The same bear can be seen in the night sky over Italy forming the Ursa Major – a constellation that has been a navigational reference point for ages. Marsican is a tribute to Frank Mitolo’s heritage and his father's enduring .influence and guidance.

Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon

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“Serpico” was a famous New York police officer who wasn’t afraid to ‘work against the grain’. With Serpico, Mitolo aims to step outside its peers and redefine the accepted style of Cabernet making. Serpico is a 100% Cabernet made in the Amarone method to achieve intense aromas, and a concentrated viscous middle palate with soft and silky tannins.

G.A.M.

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G.A.M. represents the first initial of each of Frank Mitolo children's first names - Gemma, Alex and Marco - and G.A.M. was the first and remains the flagship wine of the estate. A Shiraz that embodies the Mitolo credo: strong and gentle. Uncompromising intensity and depth, supple complexity of fruit and savory flavors.

Angela

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The Lopresti Family growers have provided fruit for Mitolo from the very beginning. Sourced from Sandra’s Block, matriarch of the Lopresti family, this wine is a tribute to Frank Mitolo's mother, Angela, matriarch of the Mitolo family.

7th Son

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The wine’s name comes from Seventh Son of the Seventh Son, a folklore concept of birth right gifts of second sight, healing and luck. The Seventh Son is a testament to the quality of these two varieties, Grenache and Shiraz, in McLaren Vale and how well they can compliment each other. When blended together though these opposites provide a great foil for each other, creating a complex and intriguing wine.

Jester Vermentino

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Frank Mitolo and Ben Glaetzer spent considerable time researching the choice of varietal for Mitolo's first white wine, and Vermentino was chosen as a grape that matches well with food and that would suit the McLaren Vale region. The maritime climate of McLaren Vale perfectly reflects that of the Mediterranean coastal districts of Corsica and Sardinia from which this varietal is best known. Warm days and cool, breezy nights allow for the grapes to develop balanced acidity and fresh fruit flavors.

Jester Shiraz

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The Jester wines share the pedigree of the top Mitolo wines, but are more accessible and fruit-forward. Jester Shiraz is a blend of several blocks within the Lopresti vineyard in the Willunga district, all the way at the southern tip of McLaren Vale overlooking the coast. Intense, textured and shows pure dark fruit flavors.

Jester Cabernet Sauvignon

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Jester Cabernet is a “baby” Serpico, the top Mitolo Cabernet produced using an Amarone drying process. For the Jester Cabernet, only a portion of the grapes are left to dry in the traditional Amarone winemaking method. Jester Cabernet is upfront and approachable, delivering excellent quality for the price.